Uses

Clopidogrel is an anti platelet agent that decreases platelet aggregation in the blood, which decreases chances of getting a blood clot. It is utilized in the treatment of heart attacks, angina, and blood clot prevention.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with or without food.

Take exactly as directed, do not take more than directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Visit your doctor regularly while on this medicine, do not stop taking it without consulting with your doctor.

Seek emergency medical treatment if you experience severe sudden headaches, breathing trouble, vision changes, chest pain, swelling, pain or warmth in the ankles or legs, speaking trouble, numbness or weakness of the face, leg or arm.

If you are going to have any surgery or dental procedures, be sure that your doctors are aware that you are on this medicine.

Your doctor may want genetic tests to determine how this medicine may affect you.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

All blood conditions, bleeding within the brain, surgery in the near future, ulcers of the stomach or intestines, strokes or TIA, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, changes in vision, fever, weakness, signs and symptoms of bleeding such as: Stools that are black, bloody, or tarry; vomiting blood of coffee ground like material, unusual bleeding or bruising; red spots on the skin surface.

Other Side Effects

Constipation, headache, pack pain, joint pain, upset stomach.

Adult Dose

Non St Elevation Myocardial Infarction or unstable angina

300mg by mouth for one dose, then 75mg by mouth daily with aspirin.

St Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

75 mg by mouth daily with aspirin. This may be given with a 300 mg oral loading dose or with thrombolytic drugs.

Recent Stroke or TIA, Myocardial Infarction, Coronary Artery Disease, Peripheral Artery Disease

75 mg by mouth once per day.

Sources

1. O'Gara PT, Kushner FG, Ascheim DD, et al: 2013 ACCF/AHA guideline for the management of ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation 2012; Epub:Epub-.

2. Vandvik PO, Lincoff AM, Gore JM, et al: Primary and Secondary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed: American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest 2012; 141(2 suppl):e637S-e668S.

3. Levine GN, Bates ER, Bittl JA, et al: 2016 ACC/AHA Guideline Focused Update on Duration of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines: An Update of the 2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention, 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery, 2012 ACC/AHA/ACP/AATS/PCNA/SCAI/STS Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease, 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction, 2014 AHA/ACC Guideline for the Management of Patients With Non-ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndromes, and 2014 ACC/AHA Guideline on Perioperative Cardiovascular Evaluation and Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery. Circulation 2016; Epub:Epub.

4. O'Gara P, Kushner FG, Ascheim DD, et al. 2013 ACCF/AHA Guideline for the Management of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction: A Report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation 2013;127:e362-e425.